Sandbag Shortage in Clements and Charlotte Hall

Sandbags are no longer available at the Clements and Charlotte Hall convenience centers, St. Mary’s County officials have announced; however, they continue to be available at the four other centers.

Residents are asked to bring duffel bags, pillow cases and trash bags in the event that all sandbags have been distributed. Sandbags will continue to be made available until 5 p.m. or until supplies have been exhausted.

The Department of Emergency Services & Technology is warning citizens of the forecasted flooding associated with Hurricane Sandy. Citizens located in coastal or low lying areas prone to flooding are strongly encouraged to continue making plans now to relocate.

Officials are estimating a tidal surge of three to five feet, two feet below Hurricane Isabel’s storm surge; however, this surge could last for days. The worst of flooding will be at mouth of the Potomac.

Two emergency shelters are now open at Great Mills High School, located at 21130 Great Mills Road in Great Mills and Leonardtown High School, located at 23995 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Citizens planning on relocating to a shelter should bring any toiletries and medications in quantities sufficient for several days.

Residents are allowed to bring pets to both shelters. Animal Control staff will relocate them to the county fairgrounds where they will be housed for the duration of the Hurricane Sandy.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning, in effect from 8 a.m. Monday until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Wind gusts of over 45 mph are expected by 8 a.m. Monday and up to 60 mph Monday afternoon into Tuesday.

A prolonged 24 to 36 hour high wind event will take place across the warning area, coupled with heavy rains. The high winds will lead to significant tree damage. Residents and businesses across the county should plan for widespread power and communication outages.

Residents living near large trees should remain in the lower level of your home or seek shelter elsewhere if possible. Residents should also refrain from unnecessary travel.

Source: St. Mary’s County Public Information Office